English

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & ENGLISH LITERATURE

IGCSE (CAMBRIDGE) ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND IGCSE (CAMBRIDGE) ENGLISH LITERATURE

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You will improve your writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills.

You will be able to develop your ideas fully in writing, using a variety of formats. In discussions, you will be able to develop ideas, present your views formally and take on role-play, as appropriate.

You will learn how to read literary texts, including Shakespeare, drama, poetry and contemporary prose; and develop the ability to analyse and write informed personal responses. Whilst English Language and English Literature are certificated through two separate IGCSEs, you will be taught both subjects through a combined approach. You will be exposed to some of the best writing, theorising, philosophising and thinking that has happened in the history of civilisation; you will learn the power of language; you will discover the way in which art holds a mirror up to nature.

WHICH SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE MUST I HAVE BEFORE EMBARKING ON THIS COURSE?

Everyone in the school is required to study English. We expect that you will be able to write coherently and lucidly in Standard English with few grammatical errors. You should also be able to read and enjoy challenging fiction, drama, poetry and non-fiction with understanding and sensitivity.

In English Language, we study the Cambridge IGCSE. You will prepare for one two hour written examination (50%) and will write a portfolio of three coursework pieces (50%).

The examination involves reading two related texts and completing a series of short answer questions, longer more detailed questions and a non-fiction writing task.

The coursework pieces give you the opportunity to hone their creative writing skills in fiction and nonfiction genres. The pieces are narrative, descriptive and responsive. You will read many interesting, diverse and stimulating texts and then have the chance to draft and redraft your pieces to create the best writing you possibly can.

In English Literature, we study the Cambridge IGCSE. You will prepare for two written examinations (75%) and will write two coursework essays (25%).

You will study a prose text (currently Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie), a drama text (Twelfth Night or Journey’s End) and a range of poetry. You will do this through class discussion, essay writing, contextual work and more creative exploration.

WHAT WERE THE ENGLISH GCSE RESULTS LIKE LAST YEAR?

In English 96% of pupils gained 9-7 grades with 81% achieving grades 9/8. Overall 100% achieved grades 9-4.

In English Literature 71% of pupils gained 9-7 grades with 40% achieving grades 9/8. Overall 100% achieved grades 9-4.

FOR WHAT SIXTH FORM SUBJECTS WILL THIS COURSE BE USEFUL?

The reading, writing and communication skills you develop in GCSE English and English Literature will be useful for any subject you choose in the sixth form.

It is worth remembering that English GCSE is still one of the few matriculation qualifications for most British universities. If you do not have GCSE English at grade 5, or possibly even grade 6, you may not be eligible to study certain courses at University.